GLOWING NOW – NOVEMBER 2, 2024
Callaway Gardens: A Family-Friendly Halloween Adventure 🎃
Fall means crisp air, cozy flannels, pumpkin spice, and family fun! This year, we packed up the crew and headed to Callaway Gardens for one of the most family friendly Halloween events near Atlanta: Pumpkins at Callaway. This event is a must-see if you’re looking for a place to experience Halloween magic without the horror.
Let me walk you through our adventure—spoiler alert: it was a blast!
The Singing Jack-O-Lantern Tree 🎶
Our family friendly Halloween adventure’s first stop is the infamous singing jack-o-lantern tree. This towering masterpiece of pumpkins greets you at the entrance, and while it’s a sight to see during the day, it shines (literally) at night. The tree comes alive… with the sound of music, laaa lalala. Gaze your eyes upon the giant tower of glowing pumpkins that sing, tell jokes, and serenade you with spooky tunes.
After the performance, we went through a long, neon-lit tunnel that pulses with lights and tunes. We strutted our way through the luminous tube that dances to the beat of its own drum, just like my daughter does.
Pause here to play a round of blacklight mini golf with spooky music and UV lights illuminating the course; you will putt your way through 18 holes of glowing Halloween gourd-ness.
Enchanted Pumpkin Forest Aglow 🌲
Next up in our most epic family friendly Halloween experience, we ventured into the Enchanted Pumpkin Forest, a whimsical walk through the woods draped in lights, pumpkins, and…giant bugs? Yes, you read that right—oversized creatures like glowing spiders and praying mantises join the lineup of quirky pumpkin characters. It’s part art installation, part woodland fantasy. As you disappear into the treeline, you will realize that THIS is the lighting you always needed in your backyard.
As we strolled along the path lined with fall wreaths and hay bales, we couldn’t help but laugh when we saw a unicycle-riding musician…playing a piano with his breath? Honestly, at this point, nothing would surprise me at Callaway Gardens!
The forest is magical by day, but at night? Whole different story. The pumpkins seem to glow brighter, the air feels crisper, and the whole family can’t help but soak in that Halloween spirit. Trust me—this is one part of the event you’ll want to experience twice. The best part? It’s one of the most family friendly Halloween spots around, perfect for kids who want to explore without the fright factor.
Corn Maze & Sunset Trolley Ride 🌽
One of the highlights of our trip was hopping on a sunset trolley ride to the illuminated corn maze. The sun was setting, and the air was chilly, but that didn’t stop anyone from having a good time. The maze spans a massive 7.5 acres and is even more enchanting at night when lit with twinkling lights and playful displays. Pro tip: get in line for the trolley by 6:30 p.m. to catch that golden hour glow before it gets dark. Plus, it’s the perfect time for family friendly Halloween photos with the stunning sunflower fields as your backdrop.
Navigating the maze was easier than I expected—helpful arrows guide you along, so there’s no chance of getting lost (unless you’re trying!). The kids had a blast racing through the maze.
Once you enter this area, head to the sunflower field to take in the incredible sight of endless rows of beautiful sunflowers in full bloom. This added attraction is why I think this is the best pumpkin patch near Atlanta. Sunflowers and pumpkins? Name a better fall combo; I’ll wait.
The stunning sight of tall blooming sunflowers requires an audible gasp.
Plan Your Visit: Callaway Gardens Pumpkin Event 🎃
- Admission Starting Prices: Children $19.99 Adults $24.99
- Hours of Operation: Friday – Sunday, 4pm – 10pm
- Bonus: Your pumpkin ticket includes access to Callaway Gardens open 10am – 5pm
- Address: 17800 US-27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822 – A 90-minute drive from Atlanta.
- Warning: The event runs through November 2, 2024, but don’t worry—it’ll be back next year!
- Accommodations: On-site with a spa
- Recommended: Arrive by at least 2 PM so you can explore the gardens before they close
- Pets Allowed: Certified service animals only.
- Food: Everything from pizza and chicken tenders to pulled pork sandwiches and cookie dough. You won’t go hungry!
If you can’t make it to this year’s family-friendly Halloween festivities, don’t stress—Callaway Gardens has another event just around the corner. Their Fantasy in Lights holiday event kicks off in mid-November and will be a magical winter wonderland for the whole family.
Callaway Gardens is the place for festive, family friendly Halloween and holiday events. So, what are you waiting for? Pack up the family, grab your pumpkin spiced lattes, and get ready to make some unforgettable Halloween memories! Or, you can go to Savannah with this downloadable travel plan.
